Fate of the Norns

(1993–2000) Fate of the Norns first edition (ISBN 978-098654140-7) achieved viral internet distribution in the late 1990s via a free demo pdf. This pdf was a pruned down version of the full game, with 80 pages as opposed to the full product's 320.[1] The game brought about a wide and colorful breath of magic and occupations- 6 types of distinct magic (independent systems), and over 35 occupations. The timing system in the game was also unique in the industry, assigning speed factors for every action, and staggering all actions based on those segment offsets.[2]

This edition was finally published as a printed product in 2012, and is to be retired in late 2013.

The second edition of Fate of the Norns (ISBN 978-098654142-1) implemented an evolution of the game engine incorporating RPG industry trends. With the advent of MMORPGs and combat evolving into more than a roll-to-hit and roll-for-damage model, the game engine incorporated a myriad of special maneuvers, allowing players a colorful repertoire of actions during combat. This eliminated the classic RPG combat grid. The character progression was changed from linear to distributed. Rather than using a linear skill tree, the character skills would evolve over several "chess boards" of skills and abilities.

It also emphasized the historical background and introduced the theme of the Aesir-Vanir war.

Notably, this edition has never been published as print product, and is in fact considerably harder to find than the first edition (which was readily available to buy both in PDF and Hardcover forms during much of 2012 and all of 2013).

Fate of the Norns: Ragnarok RPG, First Edition, published in 2006.
First version of the RGS rules.

(2005–2011) Fate of the Norns: Ragnarok (ISBN 978-098654141-4) was a completely new departure for both the setting and the mechanics. It let go of dice entirely and introduced what is now known as the first version of the Runic Game System (RGS), using standard Elder Futhark runes instead of dice. The game takes place during the final war between the gods and the giants, allowing players to play supernatural beings such as Einherjar and Valkyries.[3]

This edition, too, has never been published in print form and may be difficult to find.

Runes of the Elder Futhark

(2012–present) Fate of the Norns: Ragnarok Second Edition (ISBN 978-098654143-8) also known as the Twentieth Anniversary Edition, was the result of a Kickstarter project. It changed the game mechanics once more, while keeping the Ragnarok theme and scenarios. The Runic Game System (RGS) was updated and now makes good use of an additional Void rune, not found in regular Elder Futhark rune sets.[4] Weapon meta tags are added to give weapons their own style of play (blunt weapons knock down, pierce weapons cause bleeding, etc.). Three distinct Wounds tracks have been added to the playmat allowing groups to customize the lethality level of their campaigns.

"Fafnir's Treasure" is a beginner's journey into the world of Fate of the Norns, intended to introduce new players to the flavor of Viking Mythology and the unique mechanics of game play in FOTN. The self-contained adventure is highly recommended by a number of RPG players and has been updated and re-released in late 2012 (ISBN 978-098654145-2) updated to the rules of the 20th Anniversary Edition.[5]